Couple wanted in connection with Miami motel murder captured
HAYS, Kan. -Authorities say an Ohio couple possibly linked to a Florida murder has been arrested at a motel in Kansas, reports CBS Miami.
Craig Beam, chief deputy of the U.S. Marshal's Kansas district, says 30-year-old Michael Douglas Evans and his wife, Kristy, 34, were arrested Thursday evening at a Motel 6 in Hays.
The woman's 7-year-old daughter was with them and has been placed in protective custody.
The couple was wanted for questioning in the death of 46-year-old Joseph Moniz, who was found murdered in early June in a Miami hotel room where the couple was staying at the time. Michael Evans was also wanted in Ohio for failure to appear in court on felony charges.
In the Ohio case, Evans is accused of attacking a man with a hammer, reports CBS Miami. He was on house arrest when he skipped town.
Beam says the couple was arrested without incident after Hays police spotted their vehicle and contacted the Marshal's office. They are being held in the Ellis County jail awaiting an extradition hearing.
Authorities have not said why they believe Evans is linked to Moniz's killing, or what his cause of death was.
Dayanelis Vazquez, who lives near the hotel where the murder allegedly took place, said Moniz was naked when he was found.
Moniz has an arrest record that includes charges of cocaine possession, grand theft and possession of marijuana, according to the station.
Authorities have reportedly said Michael and Kristy Evans have a history of drug abuse.